Most Expensive Home Repairs And How To Avoid Them

December 29, 2017

When you buy a home for the first time, there is a sense that you have finally made it. But there are many differences between owning a house and renting one, namely that you are responsible for everything that goes wrong with it. You don’t have the luxury of a landlord fixing expensive problems at their own expense – it’s all going to have to come out of your own pocket. And the reality is that some of these issues can cost you an arm and a leg. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common – and expensive – home issues you will face as a property owner.

Foundational Problems

Your home’s foundations provide stability for the entire structure of the house, so it’s no surprise that you have to keep a close eye on its condition. Also unsurprisingly, foundational problems can be very hard to fix. Repairs can be complex, expensive, and take a long time, so not only do you have to pay for the work, but you also might have to pay for alternative accommodation until your home is safe again. Foundation problems can occur in either very wet or very dry weather, so make sure all your drainage is working properly, and use soaker hoses around the edges of your house during periods of drought. It’s also worth getting a professional to take a look every once in awhile – every five years, perhaps.

Roofing

If your roof starts to have problems, you can expect a hefty bill to pay for its repair. If you need it replaced entirely, it could cost you as much as £10,000. Make sure you are checking your roof at least once a year – preferably after the winter period. Look for leaks and sort the issue asap. You should also have your roof inspected at a minimum of once every five years to ensure it is in good shape. The quicker you notice problems, the cheaper they will be to fix.

Boilers and heating systems

The trouble with boilers is that they tend to break down at the times of year that you really need them. They are also incredibly expensive to repair in some cases, and buying a new boiler will be a big hit in the pocket. Again, it’s essential to spot trouble before it gets too severe, so get in touch with your local boiler experts and arrange a regular service. You should aim to have a service once a year, and you should avoid minor issues turning into huge, expensive ones.

Plumbing and piping

Finally, plumbing and piping are hidden behind your walls and underground, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to hear that it can lead to some expensive repair bills. It’s a four-figure sum, to repair, in general, and the impact of leaks or rusty water can be harmful to your home and your health. It’s worth hiring a plumber to clean out your sewage pipes once every few years, and also try to avoid using chemical cleaners to unclog your drains – it can lead to flaking, discolouration and weakening of pipes.